Cassie Carballo and the UST Golden Tigresses are among the favorites for UAAP Season 88 as two-time champion NU starts its post-Bella Belen era.
A different type of challenge welcomes the UST Golden Tigresses in what many deem is a wide open race for the crown in UAAP Season 88.
While the NU Lady Bulldogs have lorded over the women’s volleyball tournament, winning three in the past four seasons, the competition now takes a turn following the exit of both Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
[RELATED: Bella Belen shows ‘killer instinct’ in PVL career-high game to open All-Filipino]
The Golden Tigresses have been consistent contenders for the crown, including a Finals showdown with NU in Season 86.
But with the reigning two-time champions having to deal with the loss of Belen and Solomon, UST has arguably its biggest chance at the crown.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Solomon takes her talents to Japan, signs with SV.League champion Osaka Marvelous]
Former award winners Cassie Carballo, Angge Poyos, and Detdet Pepito are all back this season for UST and are expected to lead the Tigresses to the final goal.
“Meron talaga [na expectation samin]. Even sila coach Shaq [delos Santos], talagang ine-emphasize na meron nang expectations from us this season and may pressure,” Carballo told One Sports.
“Pero nasa samin na 'yun kung paano namin i-handle 'yun and I really pray and I really hope na makuha namin yung goal this season.”
[RELATED: UAAP: Why Detdet Pepito stayed for one more year in UST]
In that UAAP Season 86 Finals, these current Tigresses got a feel of the title competition and were swept by Belen and the Lady Bulldogs.
But with an intact and rejuvenated arsenal, the Golden Tigresses are looking forward to a better chance this year.
Value-adding newcomers
There is a period of transition for UST ahead of UAAP Season 88, with coach Shaq delos Santos taking over the reins from Kung Fu Reyes.
New players are also coming in, with some even coming from different countries like the US and Japan.
Despite some challenges in adapting to UST’s system, Carballo is confident that they were able to work on the things they needed to address ahead of opening day, where they will play NU in a blockbuster ending to opening weekend.
“Ako, very very happy naman kasi I think na nakapagadapt naman lahat sa sistema. 'Yung naging challenge lang talaga for us siguro 'yung mga bago nga kasi nga from different cultures and medyo nahirapan kami at first ma-instill din sa kanila 'yung system namin sa UST,” Carballo said.
“And I think na okay naman 'yung flow ng team especially nung training camp. Mas na-polish namin 'yung kailangan i-polish,” she added.
Carballo and the rest of the Golden Tigresses get set for a tall task in their season opener on Sunday, February 15, playing against NU at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
—
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.